The 3 key battles as Southampton host Arsenal in the FA Cup

Ryan Bertrand v Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott looks set to return from injury against his former club this evening, and he’ll hope that he can get back to his dizzy heights from earlier in the campaign.

The England international, who missed out on selection for the European Championships last summer, netted eight goals in 16 Premier League games prior to injury, with his latest goal coming in the 2-1 win over Manchester City on December 18.

He hasn’t played for the club since then, yet is expected to return to the starting eleven this weekend which could see him face fellow England international Ryan Bertrand.

The former Chelsea man has been in great form for the Saints this season, and has been a regular part of the Southampton backline that has conceded just 26 goals in the league thus far.

With Walcott’s pace always a massive threat, it’ll be interesting to see how much Bertrand decides to get forward as, although he himself is quick, he cannot be giving Walcott a head-start on the flanks.

The same can be said of Walcott, who will have to do his defensive duties well to help out Hector Bellerin, as Bertrand does enjoy getting forward and getting crosses into the box.

It’ll be a fascinating battle between the two this evening.